Here We Go, Again

We told you when Hyundai and Kia downgraded their EPA mileage in November 2012 "Your Mileage May Vary", Nov. 2012. Now, not too surprisingly, it's Ford's turn, again. Unlike the blanket mess that was the Hyundai/Kia fiasco, Ford is downgrading only Fusion, C-Max and Fiesta models while Lincoln is downgrading MKZ Hybrids, only.

Old

New

Change

2013-14 Ford C-Max Energi

44 city/41 hwy

40 city/36 hwy

-4 city/-5 hwy

2013-14 Ford C-Max Energi (battery)

100 MPGe

88 MPGe

-12 MPGe

2013-14 Ford C-Max Hybrid

45 city/40 hwy

42 city/37 hwy

-3 city/-3 hwy

2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Manual

27 city/38 hwy

28 city/36 hwy

+1 city/-2 hwy

2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0 3 cyl. SFE Manual

32 city/45 hwy

31 city/43 hwy

-1 city/-2 hwy

2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Auto

29 city/39 hwy

27 city/37 hwy

-2 city/-2 hwy

2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6 SFE Auto

30 city/41 hwy

28 city/38 hwy

-2 city/-3 hwy

2013-14 Ford Fusion Energi

44 city/41 hwy

40 city/36 hwy

-4 city/-5 hwy

2013-14 Ford Fusion Energi (battery)

100 MPGe

88 MPGe

-12 MPGe

2013-14 Ford Fusion Hybrid

47 city/47 hwy

44 city/41 hwy

-3 city/-6 hwy

2013-14 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

45 city/45 hwy

38 city/37 hwy

-7 city/-8 hwy

Previously, the 2013 C-Max Hybrid had been rated at 47 city/47 highway, the same as the 2013 Fusion Hybrid. It was allowed to use the same rating by EPA rules since the two cars shared a platform, but there was such a large discrepancy between the two that Ford voluntarily changed its rating to 45 city/40 hwy in August 2013. This latest change overrides that one (see chart above, line 3). Therefore, the C-Max Hybrid has changed from its original rating by 5 city and 10 highway MPG overall.

What is Ford Doing for Owners?

Ford is offering good will payments, via its website to owners and leasers of the vehicles that have had their EPA fuel mileage ratings adjusted. Payments range from $125 to $525 for leasers and $200 to $850 for owners. (Check here.) 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid owner’s can get $1050, while leasers can get $625. (Check here.) People with these cars don’t have to make any claim: Ford will automatically send a letter to them along with a payment.